Meet House and Home’s favourite Instagram-slash-renovators-slash-interiors-influencers. Inspiring us with their style savvy and lifestyle chutzpah, they’re the ones we click ‘like’ on the daily
Image: Ciara ElliottWith so much noise on Insta, it’s really easy to keep on scrolling. But that’d be a shame, because interiors Instaland is a really wonderful place – just check our monthly hashtag #MyHouseandHome for evidence of the community and creativity that abounds. This issue, we’re celebrating two Instagrammers we’re currently crushing on for renovations #inspo, and we’ve the low-down on five international check-ins we never miss, too.
The old-house reno
Who: Meet Ciara Elliott, the UK-dwelling Dubliner who’s a former editor of House and Home’s sister magazine Confetti, and fashion editor of The Sunday Tribune. As editor of interiors mag Essential Kitchens Bathroom Bedroom, she’s well up on everything homes. A mum of two girls, Ciara runs pop-up fashion events at Fashion Reboot and co-hosts two Instagram hashtags #colourmyhome and #nestandthrive.
My Insta-beginning: I first started using Instagram after a move to London. After a busy city life, I found myself freelancing at home with a new baby and a two-year-old. It was a fun creative outlet I used to connect with other creative mums.
I use it for: At first I used it as an antidote to work, but now it’s merged more and more with my work, particularly since I started doing more interiors and doing up my house.
It’s a brilliant outlet: It’s brought so much to my life – not only all the daily inspiration and chats and updates, beyond that I’ve met so many great people. I run my Fashion Reboot business through it - I do barely any other marketing other than Instagram.
My project: We’re currently renovating an 1800s farmhouse in the Suffolk/Essex countryside. We’re due to move back in in spring and I can’t wait! There’ll still be a lot of internal work to do then – namely kitchen and bathroom – but the building work will be done. We’ll also need to tackle the patio and the garden – and the cellar and the front of the house... I can see a lot of busy bank holidays ahead!
Instagram: @ciaraelliott
The new-build do-over
Who: Erica Davies, who’s our style crush (what this woman can do with a skirt is holy). A former fashion editor, she’s from the north of England and lives on the Essex/Suffolk border. Now a lifestyle blogger, Erica focuses mainly on fashion and interiors.
Why Instagram: I’m a really visual person, so I love the idea of curating your own visual magazine filled with things that appeal to your aesthetic. I love the fact Instagram has provided a platform for so many talented creatives who wouldn’t necessarily have been given that chance previously.
I’m known for: Colour, outfit ideas and interior design.
Instagram changed everything: It has now become my job, working with brands and partnering up on interesting projects. It gives me the opportunity to be creative and work flexibly at home so I can collect my children from school.
My wishlist piece: I always desperately wanted the Paul Smith ‘LOVE’ wall hanging. And I’d love a dressing room with leopard print carpet. Oh, and I’m definitely including panelled walls upstairs in our bedroom.
My project: We’re just about to start the children’s playroom and then I’d like to start on bedrooms – we haven’t tackled anything upstairs yet.
Instagram: @erica_davies
International bright young things
Five more to ‘like’...
UK: @patirobins
What might surprise you is that this not only is this home rented, but it’s also disabled-adapted. Photographer and eclectic maximalist Pati has brought all her skills to bear in this amazing space – and there’s always something new going on.
Ireland: @leoandcici
Dubliner Elaine Verdon’s Instagram regularly showcases her own home and its evolving décor journey, her creative inspirations – she’s an interior designer – as well as the beautiful locations she visits in her pursuit of pretty.
US: @sarahshermansamuel
Not only does Sarah Sherman Samuel have a delish décor style for her own home, she recently shot to prominence as the interior designer of actress Mandy Moore’s mid-century LA house, a dreamy space filled with gorgeously appointed, well, everything!
Australia: @miss_ness_tay
The Sydney home of magazine and interiors stylist Vanessa Coyler Tay is filled with wantable pieces and ideas to borrow. She regularly takes her followers behind the scenes on her shoots and styling projects too.
Norway: @karoline_nilssen
Defined by super-clean palette, Karoline’s home is filled with sharp lines, muted tones and considered pieces from brands such as Ferm Living, Bloomingville and Hay. Well worth a follow for dedicated followers of Scandi style.
